Co-bedding of multiples in the neonatal unit: Assessing nurses and midwives attitude and level of understanding

Aim: The purpose of this project was to explore the existing attitudes and level of understanding of nurses and midwives towards co-bedding multiples (twins and higher order multiples) in a large Australian, tertiary level, Neonatal Unit. Method: A purposefully designed anonymous survey was first piloted and then distributed to nurses and midwives working in the neonatal unit. Respondents were required to answer eight multiple choice questions to assess their level of understanding of co-bedding and rate eight statements, using a 5-point Likert scale, to assess their attitude towards the practice. Findings: A total of 201 surveys were distributed and 148 surveys were returned, resulting in a response rate of 74%. A mean of 85% of respondents answered the multiple choice questions correctly. Seventy four percent of the respondents agreed with the eight statements that described potential benefits of co-bedding (47% agreed and 27% strongly agreed), 16% were undecided and 10% disagreed. Conclusion: This project has demonstrated that the nurses and midwives understood and held positive attitudes towards the practice of co-bedding of multiples. It appears that there is sufficient support to move forward to implement this aspect of family centred care best practice for neonates who are medically stable.